Patterns of Physical Abuse

Physical abuse may begin in a physically nonviolent way; that is, with neglect, which can include not allowing her access to basic needs (food, shelter, hygiene items); not allowing her to sleep; or withholding physical intimacy as a way to control her. When the abuse moves into overt violence, he may begin with assaults such as painful pinching or squeezing. As the abuser escalates, he becomes more violent and his violence becomes targeted; that is, directed to a part of the body, such as the torso, where the injuries are less likely to show. When the abuser believes he will not be held accountable for his behaviors, he may inflict visible injuries. The following is a list of physically abusive behaviors:

Pinching and/or squeezing in a painful way

Pushing, shoving or restraining

Jerking, pulling, shaking or hair pulling

Slapping or biting

Targeted hitting, kicking, etc. so that injuries do not show. The abuser's actions here are evidence that he is not "out of control" when he batters. Instead he is using violence to control and exert power over the victim.